Originally Posted by
Budgiesmuggler
If that is the case, and 50 seat aircraft are here to stay, what is going to replace the high cycle CRJ200's and E145's?
Is it full cycle and back to props with ATR's or will it be derated larger aircraft like to CRJ700 and MRJ70.
I don't think there are any expectations that aircraft the size of the A220 would ever be considered within the scope at mainline, but if the next generation of RJ's are heavier because of engine technology while remaining 50/76 seats what is actually being given up?
If it would fly mainline would use 100 seaters on regional routes, if it would make and save them a ton of money. They are going to be forced to look at the expense numbers. With higher regional salaries and expenses it’s making more and more sense for the model to end. If fuel ticks up a bit more the 50 seaters will start losing a lot of money. The efficiency of the CS series and the new E2 Embraers will have these planes flying at mainline. I wouldn’t count the Mitsubishi’s as a failure if they are efficient enough. You won’t see regionals flying them but you might see mainline transition to them and kill off the regionals.